EU adopts Russian election sanctions against those who barred anti-war party from running

On September 28, EU ministers reached an agreement to impose sanctions on 10 Russian officials for barring the sole remaining anti-war opposition party from participating in the country's parliamentary elections. These sanctions will result in asset freezes and a ban on transactions with EU companies for judges, prosecutors, and public officials involved in the repression and politically motivated prosecutions against the Yabloko (Apple) party.

The list of sanctioned individuals includes three judges from Russia's Supreme Court and an official from the Prosecutor General's Office. The 18th to 20th of September saw the Russian election marred by widespread manipulation, as any genuine opposition was barred from running. In occupied Ukrainian territories, the election also took place illegally, prompting Kyiv to enact its own sanctions measures.

EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, had also proposed restrictions on those enabling the sham elections in the occupied regions. A draft list of 77 individuals responsible for the elections in these territories, including candidates and members of Russia's electoral commission, was being reviewed by experts from the 27 EU countries. This list is expected to be finalized at an Oct. 12 summit of EU foreign ministers.

Additionally, the EU adopted 27 more listings of individuals and organizations involved in the abduction and indoctrination of over 20,000 Ukrainian children. These listings include children's camps and sports centers in Russia, occupied territories, and even North Korea. One such camp, the Songdowon International Children's camp, has been added to the EU's sanctions list for promoting pro-Russian narratives during the transfer of Ukrainian children.